Orientation Information

New students who have paid the non-refundable enrollment deposit to the Office of Admissions will receive orientation information via mail or email. Please do not make travel plans and/or lodging reservations until the assigned orientation date has been confirmed in MyPortal. 

2026 Orientation Dates

Below are the details for the in-person orientation sessions for new students beginning classes at the College of Charleston. 

  • Orientation registration is open for new students who have paid their enrollment deposit.
  • There are a limited number of seats available for each orientation and these are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. As orientation sessions fill and we will not able to accept any more registrations, this web page will be updated as sessions reach capacity.
  • Women participating in Panhellenic recruitment in August must attend an orientation session in June or July as the sorority recruitment dates conflict with the August 13 and 14 orientation session. 
  • Visit the orientation website to learn more about orientation and how to register. 
Instructions for students accepted into University Honors or the Honors College: 
  • University Honors:
    • Students admitted into University Honors will be advised and register for classes virtually during the week of June 15. 
    • University Honors students attend an in-person orientation session August 12-15. Programming will begin after 5:00pm on August 12.
    • University Honors students will be able to move directly into the residence hall on August 12 for an additional early move in fee.
    • In May, University Honors students will be emailed information about their virtual course registration in June and a link to the their August orientation registration form. University Honors students DO NOT have to register for orientation through MyPortal unless the student cannot attend the August orientation. 
  • Honors College:
    • Students admitted into the Honors College may sign up for any one of the six Honors College preferred Honors College orientations listed below. During orientation, students in the Honors College will register for classes.
    • Students  not able to attend one of these preferred sessions may register for another open date, but the full Honors College staff will not be available. Honors College students should register for orientation through MyPortal.  

To confirm if a student is in University Honors or the Honors College or if you have questions about the Honors College, please contact the Honors College.

Summer 2026 Orientation Dates (updated 3/26/2026)

June 15 and 16 - Closed and at Capacity
Honors College and SPECTRA student preferred; also open to all freshman students

June 18 and 19
Honors College and SPECTRA student preferred; also open to all freshman students

June 22 and 23
Honors College and SPECTRA student preferred; also open to all freshman students

June 25 and 26
Honors College and SPECTRA student preferred; also open to all freshman students

July 6 and 7
Honors College student preferred; also open to all freshman students

July 10
Open to all transfer students

July 13 and 14
Open to all freshman students

July 20
Open to all transfer students

August 10
Open to all transfer students

August 12-15 - University Honors Only
This orientation is only for first year students admitted as University Honors. 

  • Programming for University Honors orientation will begin after 5:00pm EST on Wed., April 12. Details will be sent to the student's CofC email. 
  • University Honors students will be emailed the link to the University Honors Orientation registration form. University Honors students should NOT use MyPortal to register for orientation.
  • University Honors students participate in virtual advising and registration the week of June 15.

August 13 and 14
Open to all freshman students only who live FARTHER than 700 miles away from Charleston, SC. 

  • Students participating in sorority recruitment or Cougar Excursion will not be able to attend this session.
  • Students in this session have the option to move into their residence hall on August 12 for an additional early move in fee.
  • Freshman students attending the Orientation on August 13 and 14 will have a required virtual advising and registration session on July 22.  If you cannot attend this virtual session, a partial fall semester schedule will be created for you, and you can complete your course registration when you attend an in-person advising and registration session on August 13 and 14. Course options will be limited in August.  It is advisable for you to attend the virtual advising and registration day to have the best course selection.